Vedanta Resources Country Director Addresses Public Relations Conference in Livingstone

Dr. Moses Banda, the Country Director of Vedanta Resources, delivered a keynote address at the 14th Annual Conference of the Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) held in Livingstone on Thursday, March 21st, 2024.

The conference, themed “Innovate and Elevate: Shaping the Future of Public Relations in Zambia,” brought together delegates and guests from various sectors.

In his speech, Dr. Banda outlined the role of corporate public relations in ensuring the survival and success of business entities, drawing from Vedanta Resources’ experience in Zambia’s mining sector.

Vedanta Resources, a global mining and energy company with operations spanning several continents, has been active in Southern Africa, including Zambia, since 2004.

Dr. Banda reflected on Vedanta’s initial decade in Zambia, during which the company made significant investments in revitalizing production and engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives. However, challenges emerged after the first ten years, leading to grievances from workers, unions, suppliers, communities, and governmental concerns.

The breakdown in communication within the company’s system exacerbated these issues, ultimately resulting in the provisional liquidation of the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in May 2019.

Despite legal battles, Vedanta Resources has been striving to regain trust and support from stakeholders, including proposing financial solutions to address outstanding debts.

Dr. Banda highlighted Vedanta’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing its ambitious vision of “Zero Harm, Zero Waste, and Zero Discharge” across all operations globally.

He underscored the company’s efforts to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, leading to recognition in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023.

As the conference concluded, Dr. Banda encouraged attendees to adopt a SQUARE approach – Strategic, Quick, Unique, Agile, Resourceful, and Engaging – in their public relations strategies.

Dr. Banda’s address shed light on the importance of effective public relations in navigating complex business environments and fostering sustainable practices, resonating with the conference’s theme of innovation and elevation in the field of public relations in Zambia.